If it looks like the FC Dallas starting midfield has taken on more of a South American flavor recently, that's because it has. Defensive midfielders Pablo Ricchetti and Marcelo Saragosa hail from Argentina and Brazil, respectively, while long-haired sensation Juan Toja, recently installed in the attacking spot, hails from Colombia.
FCD head coach Steve Morrow first used the combination on June 9 in a 3-1 win against the Los Angeles Galaxy in Frisco, has employed it in one of the last two matches and looks to continue using it. The Hoops boss is pleased with the results thus far.
"I think in the couple of games that we have played that they have looked good," Morrow said. "I think those three guys fit into those roles well. Pablo (Ricchetti) and Marcelo (Saragosa) set in the midfield a little more and keep us nice and solid there.
"Marcelo has got great qualities there defensively and has been passing the ball well. That's one of Pablo's best strengths -- moving the ball around. I think we keep a good shape to our team with those two in the middle and that allows Juan (Toja) to attack and get forward."
Ricchetti, who made his FCD debut in a 2-1 win at Kansas City on May 12, had started seven consecutive matches before having to miss Sunday's 4-0 loss at Toronto FC because of yellow card accumulation. The veteran midfielder has two assists this season with his last one coming on Toja's third goal of the season, which came in the 24th minute against the Galaxy on June 9.
One thing that has impressed Morrow about Ricchetti is how quickly he has gotten acclimated to playing in MLS.
"Pablo is a guy with a lot of experience and who understands things well," he said. "He's one of those guys that I don't have to coach too much. You tell him something in practice and he gets it right away.
The FCD boss feels the same way about Toja, who has scored three goals in his 14 starts this year.
"Juan is exactly the same. He has been with a big club. I think it took him about three games at the start to get used to our style of play," Morrow said. "He's getting used to how we play and the style and pace of play over here as well. I think as he gets to know the opposition a little bit more and who he's up against every week, he will continue to get stronger."
While both Ricchetti and Toja are in their first year wearing the Hoops, this is Saragosa's second season with FCD after being acquired from the Galaxy last July. He had started the first two matches of 2007 before suffering a knee injury in a 2-1 win against L.A. at The Home Depot Center on April 12. He missed the next month before returning May 12 at Kansas City.
One thing that Morrow likes about the young Brazilian is the physicality that he brings to the middle of the pitch for FCD.
"He understands his role, goes out there and breaks up a lot of plays," Morrow said. "Pablo does that also. Marcelo loves tackling and I like that quality. He loves winning the ball back and keeps it nice and simple when he does. He keeps his passes simple and lets the other guys get on with it. He has an effective role."
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
